RELEASE
Statewide Grant Applications Open: Advancing Maternal Health Equity
Teddy Wingert
| 4 min read
DETROIT, June 12, 2024 — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are partnering to provide a third cycle of funding through the Advancing Maternal Health Equity initiative and are now accepting applications from Regional Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (RPQC) and Michigan based nonprofit organizations across the state. Grants will support sustainable initiatives to advance health equity, improve maternal health outcomes and reduce a patient’s risk of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity (SMM - health conditions complicating pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum that negatively impact their well-being or functioning). Selected grantees will be awarded up to $50,000 for 12 months.
Patients may experience challenges even before pregnancy that can lead to maternal complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery and during the postpartum period. A June 2024 Health of America report released by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association states one-third of all SMM events occur during the postpartum period, with Black and Latina patients experiencing postpartum SMM events at a higher rate than white patients. In the commercially insured population, postpartum SMM rates are 87% higher among Black patients and 7% higher among Latina patients. Among the Medicaid-insured population, postpartum SMM rates are 90% higher among Black Patients and 6% higher among Latina patients.
Proposals will be accepted from Michigan-based non-profits for community-inspired, evidence-based and sustainable initiatives that:
- Address disparities in access, maternal and infant health care, or outcomes
- Address gaps within the social determinants of health and access to support services
- Improve maternal and infant health and well-being
- Reduce the risk of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity
“Health inequities can make it difficult for patients to find accessible, culturally competent and affordable physical and mental health care, which often can be attributed to adverse maternal outcomes,” said Ken Hayward, vice president of Community Relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We’re pleased to accept applications from organizations across the state for this year’s Advancing Maternal Health Equity initiative to support differing communities in our state with significant needs.”
“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation remain committed to improving maternal health outcomes through the Advancing Maternal Health Equity initiative, now in its third year,” said Audrey Harvey, BCBSM Foundation executive director and chief executive officer. “We recognize race, culture, religion, language and disabilities can create multi-layered challenges, making it all the more difficult to experience quality maternal health care. Partnering with organizations that have local insight into specific needs is critical in our efforts to make health care more accessible.”
The funding collaborative is particularly interested in sustainable proposals that support women of color and individuals in underserved and marginalized communities, including those with intersection identities (persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+), address implicit bias and provide culturally relevant interventions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with their Regional Perinatal Quality Collaborative meaningfully to form partnerships with other community stakeholders that may elevate or inform planning, strategy or services for existing or future programming. Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant to develop and implement or expand a project that advances maternal health equity by addressing disparities related factors in maternal health.
Eligible applicants must complete and submit an online application by Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Awards will be announced in August 2024 and the program period begins October 1, 2024.
An informational webinar will be hosted on June 20 at 10:30 a.m. to learn more about the grant application. For details and registration information, visit https://www.bcbsm.com/about-us/our-impact/health-program-grants/advancing-maternal-health-equity/.
For more information on the partnership’s grant programs, visit Blue Cross’ grants and contributions webpage and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation’s 2023 Annual Report.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.
